Vince Gill

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Imagine parking yourself at the bar in one of Nashville's beaucoup music venues, expecting to listen to a house band — and suddenly Kid Rock shows up onstage. Or Alison Krauss. Or Hank Williams Jr.

It's not that rare an occurrence in Nashville, where some of music's top stars frequently perform unannounced.

Last month, for example, Kid Rock played the Ryman Auditorium as part of his CARE charity tour. On short notice, he was invited to be part of Tootsie's Orchid Lounge's 51st birthday celebration.

Tootsie's is one of several venues where big names often mingle and perform.

Part of this is because, well, this is Music City — the cradle of country...

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